WAG’s Inuit Art Centre Receives Support from TD to Help Build Bridges Between Canada's North and South

Winnipeg, Manitoba, Thursday, March 26, 2015: The Winnipeg Art Gallery (WAG) is pleased with the announcement of TD Bank Group’s financial support of $500,000 for the Gallery’s new Inuit Art Centre that will progress its goal to further engage audiences with Inuit art and culture.

“The Inuit Art Centre will be an innovative programming hub that celebrates Inuit art and Indigenous cultures through exhibitions, research, education, and art making, while also showcasing the WAG’s significant collection of contemporary Inuit art,” said Dr. Stephen Borys, WAG Director & CEO. “This generous gift from TD Bank Group helps the WAG develop programs to build bridges between North and South.”

TD’s contribution will support the Artist-in-Residence and Printmaking Studio at the new Inuit Art Centre. Working in a collaborative environment, visiting Inuit artists from Canada's North and beyond will have the opportunity to expand their work practices, explore new media, and create new works in a fully supported printmaking studio.

"We know that a thriving arts environment is essential to the overall health and vibrancy of our communities, "said David White, District Vice President, TD. "The WAG is a very special place here in Winnipeg and we're thrilled to support this creative and accessible space for learning about contemporary Inuit art–a source of inspiration to artists everywhere."

A longtime supporter of the arts, TD began collecting Inuit art almost 50 years ago, which today represents one of the largest corporate holdings of its kind, further enriched through a North-South Artist Exchange program.

The WAG holds in trust the world’s largest public collection of contemporary Inuit art. With more than 13,000 pieces, the collection represents half of the WAG’s total permanent art collection. The Inuit Art Centre that will allow this extensive cultural resource to be used to its full potential and shared with people of all ages and backgrounds. The Centre will also house the WAG’s nationally recognized Studio art and learning program.

The Winnipeg Art Gallery is a cultural advocate – a lens and forum – helping people see and experience more through art. Playing a vital role in the community, engaging and enriching people of all ages and backgrounds through art and culture, the Winnipeg Art Gallery thrives as a creative, innovative, and accessible place for learning, discovery, and inspiration.